Inner Waistband Belt

ABSTRACT

A belt that attaches to the inner waistband of any article of clothing. Traditional belts can only be used with an article of clothing that has belt loops. This invention is comprised of two parts, part one is a fabric strip which attaches to the waistband and includes the male half a zipper that is enclosed in the cavity of the fabric strip. Part two of the belt includes female half of a zipper which allows it to be attached to part one of the belt. Part two has elastic bands that are exposed at both ends of the belt. The elastic bands have notches that are selected and secured on a button which then creates a snug fit by cinching around the waist of the user. The user can easily attach the belt to any article of clothing and part two is removeable for safe laundering.

BACKGROUND

This inner waistband belt is used to hold up an article of clothing such as a pair of pants, shorts, or a skirt, and keep it from sliding down a user's hips. For simplicity. from this point forward, the article of clothing that will be mentioned is a pair of pants, even though this belt can be used on pants (trousers, jeans, etc.), shorts and skirts.

A traditional belt that feeds through belt loops does not always hold up a pair of pants comfortably and/or properly. Most traditional belts have to be worn tightly, at an uncomfortable fit, to keep a pair of pants from sliding down a user's hips. Traditional belts also create the appearance of a bulky waistline. The appearance of a bulky waistline is an issue for many people who would like to appear slimmer. An alternative to belts would be to have alterations done to the article of clothing, but this can be an expensive option.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF INVENTION

This belt was invented to serve a need that I had. I needed to wear a belt because my pants were constantly sliding down my hips. As I walked around throughout the day, I was constantly pulling up my pants by the belt loops. If I wore a belt, it would cause my waistline to appear larger. I also had to wear the belt at an uncomfortable fit to solve my problem.

This invention solves the issues listed above and more. It is a unique invention because it is a belt that attaches to the inner waistband of a pair of pants. It adheres to the waistband with, but not limited to the following methods, a zipper, semi-permanent or permanent adhesive, or button snaps. Since the belt is located on the inside of a pair of pants it is invisible to the public. This feature allows the user to use the belt with any outfit. It also does not create a bulky waistline. This invention also solves the problem of an uncomfortable fit. The user can adjust the fit of the belt so that it is comfortable and snug. This inner waistband belt is an inexpensive option to clothing alterations and can be easily attached. Also, this belt is an ideal solution for pants, shorts or skirts that do not have belt loops.

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows the back panel of part two of the belt 26. It depicts the female half of the zipper that has the slider body 19. The button hole 4 and the button 3 connect together to fasten the belt to the user. This half of the zipper contains a pull tab 20, teeth 21, tape 22, and retainer box 23.

FIG. 2 shows the front panel of part two of the belt 9 that faces the user. This drawing shows buttons (10 and 11) in which the notches on the elastic band are placed on to. It also shows the slits 7 and 8 where the elastic band is exposed from. This view also shows the back stitching 32 of the button 3 from FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 shows another view of the front panel of part two of the belt 9 where the elastic band (5 and 6) is exposed through the slits (7 and 8) on both sides of the belt. It also shows the back stitching 32 of the button that fastens the belt and the button hole to fasten the belt 4. The notches 12 on the elastic band are secured using the buttons that are hidden underneath the elastic band.

FIG. 4 shows a button 10 that has been placed on one of the notches 12 of the elastic band 6. The same would occur on the opposite end of the belt as well. This figure is another view of the front panel of part two of the belt 9. It shows the button hole 4 and the slit that exposes the elastic band 8.

FIG. 5 shows part one of the belt which is attached to the inner waistband of a pair of pants 14. Along the length of the front panel of the belt there is a slit 16. Once the slit is opened the male half of a zipper 17 is exposed. This part of the zipper includes an insertion pin 18 and teeth 21.

FIG. 6 shows the inner waistband of a pair of pants 14 with the front panel of part one 15 when the slit 16 is closed and the zipper is enclosed in the slit.

FIG. 7 shows the back panel of part one 1 of the belt. This includes the adhesive strip 13 that attaches the belt to the inner waistband, the fabric strip 2, and the slit that exposes the male half of the zipper 16. This part of the belt is attached to the inner waistband 28 of a pair of pants 14.

FIG. 8 shows another view of the front panel of part one of the belt 9. Once the two parts are attached then the user can adjust the fit using the elastic bands (5 and 6) which are exposed through slits (7 and 8). Then the appropriate buttons (10 and 11) are placed on to the notches of the elastic band 12. The belt can be fastened using the button hole in the front 4.

FIG. 9 shows the belt when it is enclosed in a pair of pants 14. The pants in this picture are unbuttoned and unzippered to show the complete belt when it its adhered to the inner waistband of a pair of pants. It is intended to look discreet. The belt is fastened around the waist of the user by a button 3.

FIG. 10 shows the two parts (9 and 15) of the belt being connected using a zipper 21, along the inner waistband of a pair of pants 14.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION AND BEST MODE OF IMPLEMENTATION

The belt is adhered to a pair of pants by, but not limited to the following examples, a zipper, a semi-permanent or permanent adhesive, or button snaps. The following description will include the use of a zipper and an adhesive to adhere the belt to the inner waistband. The belt has two parts, part one contains the male half of a zipper (without the glider) that is enclosed inside a cavity of a fabric tube. The fabric tube has a slit that runs along the length of it which is used to expose the half of a zipper. When the zipper is not in use it is enclosed inside the fabric tube which allows the fabric tube to visually blend into the construction of an article of clothing.

On the back of part one of the belt there is an adhesive in the form of a strip. Also, at the back of the fabric tube there is a strip of fabric that runs along a portion of the tube. The strip of adhesive is on this fabric. The user peels off the adhesive backing and adheres part one of the belt to the inner waistband. Then part two of the belt contains the female half of the zipper (half that contains the glider) which is secured to part one of the belt with typical zipper mechanics. The purpose of the two parts is that a user can remove part two of the belt and easily wash their clothing without fear of damaging part two of the belt. In addition, if the user is no longer in need of part two of the belt then they can simply unzipper the two parts and only part one will be left behind. As stated above, part one contains half of a zipper which is enclosed in the cavity of part one of the belt. This allows it to visually blend into the garment it is attached to. Once the two parts are zippered together the user will pull on an elastic band that is exposed near both ends of the belt. Next to each opening that exposes the elastic band, there is a fixed button under the elastic band. The function and placement of these buttons can be changed to either button snaps, and or but not limited to a specific type of button. As the user pulls on the elastic band, there will be notches on the elastic band. Once the desired fit is achieved, the user will place the desired notch on to the fixed button. The user will fasten the belt by securing the button onto the button hole. After this step the user can wear the pants as usual.

This invention is subject to a variety of different changes to material and construction even though specific parts of the invention have been depicted in the drawings and have been described above in detail. However, there should be an understanding that the above explanation is not meant to limit this invention to any specific form. In actuality, the purpose is to protect any possible alterations to constructions and/or materials used, which would still be within the essence and capacity of the invention as stated in the attached claims.

The following is a description of how to make this inner waistband belt by hand and with the use of a sewing machine. Once, this invention is brought to market and potentially manufactured in high volumes then the process described below may change. Therefore, one of the ways to manufacture this invention is listed below, but is not limited to the following process.

Part one of the belt is made by first making the strip of fabric that runs along the length of part one. This strip of fabric will include an adhesive backing. The fabric strip is made by cutting the belt fabric wide enough to fold over. Then stitching the openings of the fabric fold to create a refined seam. This fabric strip is then stitched onto the fabric that will then encompass the male half of the zipper. The fabric tube with the male half of the zipper is made by laying the belt fabric lengthwise. Then sewing the male half of the zipper onto the middle of the fabric. There should be enough fabric above and below the zipper to fold over one time. Once, the fabric is folded then it should be stitched to secure the fold. After the sewing of the top and bottom fabric surrounding the zipper, fold it over onto the zipper. The male half of the zipper will be tucked inside of the folds. This will make it invisible until the folds are spread open to reveal the male half of the zipper inside.

Part two of the belt is made by laying the belt fabric on a workspace lengthwise (so that it runs from left to right) and so that its design is facing down. This next step is performed to strengthen the fabric belt so that it is durable. There may be other options that can strengthen a fabric and improve its durability because of this, this process will not be limited to only this method. A fusible interfacing is laid over the belt fabric and a hot iron is used to attach the fabrics together. Next flip the belt over so that the design is facing up and fold the left edge, of the fabric and interfacing, in. Use a hot iron to crease them down. Use a needle and thread or a sewing machine to sew these folds down with seam allowance.

Turn the belt inside out using a large safety pin or another tool. Hook the pin into the fabric, and push the pin through the “tube” of fabric and out the other end. The fabric belt will have to be smoothed because it may bunch along the way. The ends of the belt will be re-enforced with a fabric. This fabric will depend on which fabric choice may be more marketable, based on user needs. The fabric used to re-enforce the ends of the belt may be, but is not limited to the following, cotton, faux leather, polyester, velour, and/or faux suede.

At the right end of the belt sew a button, and at the left end of the belt create a button hole. Then a few centimeters from both ends of the belt, sew another button on the right and left ends of the belt. Next using the same fabric design, cut a small strip of fabric that is narrower and shorter than the belt. Attach this fabric to the seam of the belt, by using a needle and thread, fabric glue, sewing machine, or other method. This attached fabric will end a few inches from each end of the belt.

The elastic band used in this belt will have small button holes along its entire length. The elastic band used may or may not, need to be strengthen using a type of interfacing and/or another type of fabric. Toward both ends of the belt, about ⅔ of the way from the middle, create a slit to introduce the elastic band. Attach a safety pin to the elastic band and push the pin through the slit and through the “tube” of the fabric and out the other slit. Then pull out the ends of the elastic band. The elastic band will be shorter than the belt. The elastic band will be put over the buttons on both ends of the belt. The elastic band will then be sewn to the belt, just pass the buttons. Then the female half of a zipper is stitched into the fabric strip; which will allow the two parts of the belt to be zippered together.

This invention has been described as only applying to the waistbands of articles of clothing but it may be applied to other parts of clothing. This invention can be attached and adjusted with ease by the user since it requires no sewing to attach to an article of clothing.

As previously stated, the images and examples explained above are not meant to diminish the range of the present invention to one process. It should be understood that other modifications, alternative constructions, and different materials are possible for the elements that have been described or illustrated. The variety of elements and modifications that could be used or implemented would be obvious to someone with skills in the related art but would not take away from the essence or range of the stated invention. Therefore, the descriptions stated here are meant to protect the invention from being confined to one set way of construction and material. 

What is being claimed is:
 1. A belt comprising: Of two parts in which the two parts can be joined together by a zipper or other methods of connection; part one of the belt is adhered to the inner waistband of an article of clothing; part one includes the male half of a zipper that is enclosed in the cavity of the fabric tube of part one; part two of the belt includes the female half of a zipper which includes the slider body; the user connects the two halves of the zipper together; pulls at the exposed elastic bands and places the notches onto a button to adjust the fit.
 2. The belt according to claim 1 wherein, said belt is made up of two parts that are connected by said zipper and the belt as a whole is fastened by a button.
 3. The belt according to claim 1 wherein, said male half of a zipper is enclosed in the cavity of part one of said belt; is exposed by a slit that runs along lengthwise on said belt.
 4. The belt according to claim 1 wherein, said female half of a zipper is on the back panel of part two of said belt; the two halves (male and female) are zippered together to make a whole belt.
 5. The belt according to claim 1 wherein, said elastic band is in the cavity of a tube made of a type of fabric on part two of said belt.
 6. The belt according to claim 1 wherein, said elastic band includes notches placed at various positions.
 7. The belt according to claim 1 wherein, said elastic band is exposed toward both ends of the belt; said elastic band is pulled through an open slit that is toward both ends of said belt.
 8. The belt according to claim 1 wherein, the wearer can adjust the fit on the belt by pulling on said elastic band and placing said desired notch on to a button located under the exposed said elastic band.
 9. The belt according to claim 4 wherein, said desired notch of the elastic band is placed on the button will provide a wearer with a proper fit.
 10. The belt according to claim 1 wherein, said elastic band is made of a stretch-like fabric.
 11. The belt according to claim 4 wherein, said desired notch is chosen at both ends of said belt and placed on a button that is on both ends of the belt.
 12. The belt according to claim 7 wherein, placing a desired notch onto an embodiment such as a button will create an even distribution of cinching force across the belt, but the garment will not appear wrinkled or creaked to the public.
 13. The belt according to claim 1 wherein, an elastic band that extends around the waistband lengthwise.
 14. The belt according to claim 1 wherein, said elastic band is interiorly disposed within the cavity of the fabric tube and extends out of the tube through open slits toward both ends of the belt.
 15. The belt according to claim 1 wherein, said half a zipper that is enclosed in a fabric tube is attached to the waistband of the user; a variety of methods for attachment may be used.
 16. The belt according to claim 1 wherein, the two parts of said belt will not be visible to the public while the user is wearing the article of clothing; part one of said belt is narrower than the typical inner waistband of an article of clothing. 